BigGunZ

I have a clicking noise when pedaling. Bike is new (rock hopper). Crank, pedals, chainrings, and hubs seem tight and spin smooth when isolated. It appears the little gear thingys (yes, thingy is a word) on the derailer aren't quite centered/true over the chain ring. Chain doesn't appear to skip under load and but If I free-spin the crank backwards ,it appears that the chain attempts to "bunch up" slightly. Any Ideas.

This isn't the clearest pic but the 2 screws just above the cable; what r they for? I'm thinking that maybe the adjustment may be off after breaking it in over the last 2 days (it was fine at first)

monogodo

Those two screws are limit screws. One keeps the chain from going off the large cog into the spokes, the other keeps it from dropping off the small cog and jamming between the cog and frame.

If the bike is new, and isn't shifting properly, you should take it back to the shop where you purchased it and have them adjust it.

twahl

Those are limit adjusting screws. Did your bike shop offer an adjustment after some riding time? Usually they do, since new cables will stretch some and whatnot.

BigGunZ

Yes, they'll do a free adjustment but it doesn't look like rocket science. I'm a seasoned mechanic on most things mechanical...except bikes. I think if someone explained iit to me it would save me a trip to the shop.

BigGunZ

What controls how the small derailer gears "track", over the chain rings? And can that track be adjusted?

DocF

Here are two good sources of information :

Park Tools

Sheldon Brown

An experienced mechanic knows to start with the first step and follow the sequence to the end. These two sites will tell you everything you need to know.

Good luck,
Doc

twahl

see the little black knob thing at the end of the cable where it goes into the deraileur housing? That provides some adjustment by turning each direction, you'll have to play with it to get it to go the direction you want it to.

Oh and keep in mind...the system isn't designed to work smoothly in extremes..meaning big chainring on big rear gear is going to be a problem, the chain is crossed and causes excess wear on both chain and gears.

BigGunZ

I'll try that.

I made sure that I wasn't crossed.

skunkty14

Go HERE and follow all the steps. Even if you don't need to adjust much for each step, it will give you a better idea of how each point of adjustment can affect the others, and how to dial them in properly

BigGunZ

Good advice...it worked. Just a little cable stretch during breakin.

BigGunZ

Thanks for the link. Didn't need it but I'm sure I will in the future.

twahl

Glad to see it worked for you. Most of this stuff is pretty basic once you understand where the adjustments are.